Hi Pam,
Welcome to the forum!
I understand how this feels. I used to overeat and binge eat during Year 12 - that's when it started for me. I developed an eating disorder at 19 (which also involved bingeing). I binged during my recovery and for a while afterwards, as my body was adjusting. I very rarely binge now, finally. I have also always been an anxious person, which certainly fuels the binge eating. I can relate to feeling out of control around food. In the past, I would try to chuck containers of nuts and other foods on top of the pantry cupboard, but I always ended up bringing them down again. It's really tough emotionally to break the habit. Don't lose hope though, because it is very possible and can be overcome with professional help and time.
I used to binge on healthy food too, and occasionally junk food. I have a memory of myself eating virtually all the chocolate coated nuts in my Grandparents' cupboards - gosh I felt ill after that! I would binge on cereal, nuts, fruit, crackers etc. Bingeing after heavy drinking is something I've observed in my sister, who has no history of mental illness.
I urge you to please make an appointment with your doctor (GP) about the bingeing and anxiety. Also mention how the bingeing is bad after drinking. You could print out your message from here and take that with you. I started improving my control and emotions around food after I had worked through the underlying issues and emotions that drove me to binge. This is not pleasant, but is essential. Your GP can be your guide. You may be referred to a psychologist or other professional for further, more specific guidance.
Good luck with having the conversation with your doctor. You are definitely not alone, and it is common to feel guilt and shame. The guilt was the worst for me, and talking about it is really helpful.
Please feel welcome to reply 🙂
Best wishes,
SM
